A reader writes: “I was diagnosed three years ago and have been floundering. I’ve seen lots of doctors, taken lots of drugs, but not improving and not getting any worse. Now, I am ready to start living again and need to do something different. I feel like I’ve been living in a holding pattern. I need to feel free to enjoy my life again.”

Thank you for the question. You have not given me much information about yourself, and so I hope that my response will answer your question and provide the information to get you back into the thick of an abundant life.

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia, attacking in the middle years, but women of all ages, men and children have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Scientists are not sure what causes fibromyalgia. Some theorize that injuries affecting the central nervous system, such as whiplash, may interrupt normal muscle metabolism, diminishing blood flow and thereby causing fatigue and pain.

There is also evidence that fibromyalgia is triggered by bacterial or viral infections. Some persons with Lyme disease transmitted by ticks will develop fibromyalgia from the bacteria. This may be related to the traumatic stress on body systems.

Symptoms may begin after some physical or psychological trauma. However, in rare cases, no triggering event is identified and symptoms compound over time. Scientists believe that pain signals are intensified by wayward brain signaling pathways.

Fibromyalgia is tough to diagnose because of the many symptoms that are easily related to so many other illnesses and involving potentially many specialists.

While there seems to be no cure for fibromyalgia, new lifestyle habits, such as exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures and adjusted routines can control symptoms, allowing for the full enjoyment of life.

Walking, water exercise, biking and the elliptical as well as other aerobic exercise shows great reduction in muscle pain and tenderness. Massage has great benefits and is soooo relaxing.

Dr. Rhonda Smith, an internist, says: “I recommend Swedish massage because the long, gentle strokes are very soothing.” I agree, as deep tissue massage can irritate nerves and cause more pain.

A soak in a warm bath before bedtime, followed with a cup of warm herbal or green tea, then to bed with soft background music, should set the stage for a good night’s sleep. If you’ve not had a good night’s sleep in a while, you’ll need to continue this practice until it starts to work. Just keep at it.

Upon waking, start with gentle stretches, drink water, pace your morning routine, plan out your activities for the day, and enjoy a breakfast filled with healing foods, which will reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness.

Center your diet on fresh fruits, fresh veggies, salads, green tea and water. Green tea contains EGCG, which inhibits the arthritis-inflammatory response. Enjoy grapes as a snack or in a smoothie, for the Resveratrol, a phyto-estrogen, present in the skins of grapes, mulberries, nuts and other foods. Choose cold water fish for the omega-3’s, and pineapples, for the bromelain enzymes to reduce swelling, and to promote better digestion.

Shy away from animal protein and its fat — they are pro-inflammatory and contribute to pain. Caffeine can add internal stress and cause dehydration; best to eliminate coffee, energy drinks and sodas.

Water is the universal solvent. As toxins are removed from the body, it is the water that ushers them out while soothing, buffering, cushioning and protecting aching, healing parts.

Some of the natural remedies used for persons with fibromyalgia Include acetyl-carnitine and creatine monohydrate for increased muscle strength, mass and pain relief.

Research is underway now with familiar products such as CoQ10 combined with ginkgo, chlorella and ribose. Sit down with your nutritionist and talk about these, and how they may interact with any meds you are currently taking.

Plan and begin an exercise routine, learn meditation and do it daily, and rest. Eat meals and snacks of healing foods, start and keep a journal and write about how you feel, and think, and what else is going on in your life. Write the desires of your life — journaling will give you a new outlook.

Find a hobby and work you enjoy, and reach out to your friends and family and make sure you have your social network in place. You do not want to be isolated.

Depression many times is a part of the equation. Set goals for yourself. What do you want to do with the rest of your life?

I find that if you have a plan, a goal, something to do, something to look forward to, something to work toward, life is really good. I know that if you follow this plan your life will change for the better as you move Toward True Health. Don’t let it be all about the destination. Enjoy the journey!

Carolyn Guilford is a nutrition consultant, health and wellness advocate, author and workshop organizer. She holds monthly forums at the Bull Street Public Library — the next talk “The Elements of Change — changing for a better life” is 6 p.m. Sept. 24 and is free and open to all. Do you have a question you’d like answered in Toward True Health? Please send it to carolyn@healthrestoration101.com. Call to reserve your spot in upcoming diabetes class. Health Restoration Consulting, Post Office Box 2814, Savannah, GA 31402. 912-236-8987.